Falkirk Council to debate tax rise

Council tax in Falkirk could rise by 7% next year.

The local authority will debate plans today to increase the rate by 7%.

A report says the current level of taxation is "not sustainable".

Council documents show they are facing a budget shortfall of nearly £26 million for the next financial year.

They're needing to plug a gap of more than £65 million by 2027.

Falkirk Council say:

"The Council is facing the biggest financial challenge in its history, compounded by a range of factors including increases in inflation, affecting utilities, fuel and materials, and an increase in interest rates. As a result, balancing the budget, as we are legally required to do, will not be an easy task."

"It is predicted that the Council would spend £25.9m more than it receives next year if nothing changed. To help councillors close its budget gap, officers have presented a range of ways to reduce costs and generate additional income.

These include Councillors considering the administration's proposal to increase Council Tax by 7%.

Last year, Falkirk’s Council Tax was the 5th lowest in mainland Scotland, and £72 less than the Scottish average.

If Councillors agree a 7% rise, a Band 'D’ household would pay an annual Council Tax of £1,363.82, which is equivalent to a weekly increase of £1.72 per household."